Cradle assembly for an electric axle assembly

ABSTRACT

A cradle assembly for housing and supporting a motor and a gearbox of an electric axle assembly. The cradle assembly has generally an “open air” design which provides a space for a motor and/or gearbox to be positioned within a pre-assembled cradle assembly and allows for easy access to the motor and gearbox for maintenance. The cradle assembly includes two end caps, a plurality of tube portions connecting the end caps and a plurality of motor mounts for supporting the motor and gearbox.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. National Phaseapplication Ser. No. 16/633,776 entitled “CRADLE ASSEMBLY FOR ANELECTRIC AXLE ASSEMBLY” and filed on Jan. 24, 2020. U.S. applicationSer. No. 16/633,776 is a U.S. National Phase of International PatentApplication Serial No. PCT/US2018/044010 entitled “CRADLE ASSEMBLY FORAN ELECTRIC AXLE ASSEMBLY”, filed on Jul. 27, 2018. International PatentApplication Serial No. PCT/US2018/044010 claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/538,340 filed Jul. 28, 2017. The entirecontents of each of the above-mentioned applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Hybrid and electric vehicles are enjoying increased popularity andacceptance due in large part to the cost of fuel for internal combustionengine vehicles. Electric axles for electric and hybrid vehicles canhave an electric machine/motor with an output shaft that runs parallelto the axle of the motor vehicle. To support the electric machine/motorand a transmission, a cradle assembly is needed to provide sufficientstrength and stiffness to support the weight of machine/motor andtransmission and the load of the vehicle transferred to the cradleassembly.

The cradle assembly disclosed below provides the necessary strength andsupport for the electric axle assembly while allowing access to theelectric machine/motor and/or transmission for maintenance and repairwithout requiring the disassembly of the cradle assembly itself.

Provided herein is a cradle assembly for housing and supporting a motor,the cradle assembly including: a first end cap and a second end cap,wherein each end cap includes an integrated spring seat, an innersurface, an outer surface, a center portion having a tubular portionextending axially away from the outer surface, and a plurality of legsextending radially outward from the center portion; a plurality of tubeportions having a first end and second end, wherein the first end ofeach tube portion is connected to a radially outer end of a leg of thefirst end cap and the second end of each tube portion is connected to aradially outer end of a leg of the second end cap; and a plurality ofmotor mounts connected to an outer surface at least one of the tubeportions, wherein the end caps are positioned such that the innersurfaces of the first end cap and second end cap face each other.

In some embodiments, the cradle assembly includes four tube portions andeach end cap includes four legs.

In some embodiments, two legs extend radially outward in one directionfrom the center portion and two legs extend radially outward in theopposite direction.

In some embodiments, each leg is triangular in shape.

In some embodiments, the center portion includes a bore portion fromwhich the tubular portion extends axially from.

In some embodiments, the tubular portions have a mount attached to theaxially outer surface thereof.

In some embodiments, the four legs include two upper legs and two lowerlegs, wherein the upper legs are longer the lower legs.

Provided herein is an electric axle assembly including an electricmotor, a gearbox, a cradle assembly as described above, and two axlehalf shafts, wherein the motor and gearbox are positioned between thetwo end caps and mounted to the tube portions, and wherein the axleshafts are inserted through the center portions of the end caps anddriving connected to the motor and gearbox.

In some embodiments, the further includes a skid plate attached to theend caps of the cradle assembly.

In some embodiments, the skid plate includes a set of rails and a twoattachment pieces, the rails extend between the two attachment pieces,and one attachment piece is attached to one end cap and the otherattachment pieces is attached to the other end cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages of the embodiments of theinvention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description when considered in the light of theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a cradleassembly.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the cradle assembly of FIG. 1 with thetube assemblies removed.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the cradle assembly of FIG. 1 with amotor and gearbox installed.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the another preferred embodiment of an end cap.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the cradle assembly of FIG. 5 with a skidplate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the embodiments may assume variousalternative orientations and step sequences, except where expresslyspecified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specificassemblies, articles and features illustrated in the attached drawings,and described in the following specification are simply exemplaryembodiments of the inventive concepts. Hence, specific dimensions,directions, or other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unlessexpressly stated otherwise. Also, although they may not be, likeelements in various embodiments may be commonly referred to with likereference numerals within this section of the application.

Provided herein is a cradle assembly for use with a vehicular body andframe assembly.

Motor vehicles typically include a body and frame assembly which issupported upon a plurality of ground-engaging wheels by a resilientsuspension system. Additionally included are specialized structures forsupporting the engine and/or motors of the vehicle thereon.

An engine/motor support structure, which is commonly referred to as acradle, is frequently embodied as a generally U-shaped member havingengine/motor mount portions and body mount portions formed thereon. Themount portions are provided for facilitating the connection of theengine and/or motor to the cradle, while the body mount portions areprovided for facilitating the connection of the cradle to the body andframe assembly of the vehicle. Usually, bolts or similar fasteners areused to provide the various connections between the engine/motor, thecradle assembly, and the body and frame assembly. Thus, the cradleassembly securely supports the engine/motor on the body and frameassembly of the vehicle during use.

The assemblies disclosed herein are applicable to hybrid electricvehicles (HEVs), electric vehicles (EVs) and Fuel Cell Hybrid systems.Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to hybrid vehicles for use inelectric axle or hybrid electrical vehicle drivetrain.

Provided herein is a cradle assembly for housing and supporting a motorand a gearbox for an electric or hybrid electric motor vehicle (HEV).

It should be noted that hydro-mechanical components such as hydromotors,pumps, accumulators, among others, are capable of being used in place ofthe electric machines indicated in the figures and accompanying textualdescription.

More specifically, the cradle assembly houses an electric motor andgearbox for an electric axle assembly. More specifically, disclosed isan electric axle assembly used to drive the rear wheels of a commercialvehicle.

Depicted in FIG. 1 is one preferred embodiment of a cradle assembly 100.

In some embodiments, the cradle assembly 100 includes a first and asecond end cap 104 a, 104 b, a plurality of tube portions 108 and aplurality of motor mounts 110.

The cradle assembly 100 has a generally an “open air” design whichprovides a space or void 102 for a motor and/or gearbox assembly 350 tobe positioned therein as depicted in FIG. 3 .

In some embodiments, the end caps 104 a, 104 b are made of aniron-carbon alloy or cast iron.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-2 , n some embodiments, the end caps 104 a,104 b include an integrated spring seat 230.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-2 , each end cap 104 a, 104 b has an innersurface 202, an outer surface 204 and a center cradle portion 206 havinga bore portion 208.

The two end caps 104 a, 104 b are positioned such that the innersurfaces 202 of each end cap 104 a, 104 b face each other and the boreportions 208 define an axis A.

The center cradle portion 206 is defined substantially by the boreportion 208. Extending radially outward from the center portion 206 is aplurality of legs 210.

In some embodiments, the end caps 104 a, 104 b have four legs 210extending from the center portion 206.

In some embodiments, two legs extend radially outward in one directionfrom the center portion 206 and two legs extend radially outward in theopposite direction from the center portion 206.

In some embodiments, the legs 210 are substantially triangular in shape,providing a substantially continuous straight outer edge 212 from thecenter cradle portion 206 to the end of the leg 210 and an open space214 between radially inner portions of the legs 210 extending in thesame radial direction.

In some embodiments, the end caps 104 a, 104 b has an upper edge 212 aand a lower edge 212 b.

In some embodiments, the upper edge 212 a and lower edge 212 b areparallel to each other.

Each leg 210 terminates in a connecting portion 216.

In some embodiments, the connecting portion 216 has an aperture 218extending perpendicular from the end of the leg 210. The aperture 218faces axially inward such that the apertures 218 of one end cap 104 aalign and face the apertures 218 of the other end cab 104 b.

In some embodiments, the legs 210 are of equivalent length.

In some embodiments, the end caps 104 a, 104 b include two lower legs210 a, 210 b and two upper legs 210 c, 210 d.

As depicted in FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the end caps 104 a, 104 binclude lower legs 410 a, 401 b that are longer than the upper legs 410c, 3410 d.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-3 , in some embodiments, the connectingportions 216, legs 210 and center portion 206 are an integral piece.

In some embodiments, the cradle assembly 100 includes a plurality oftube portions 108 that connect the two end caps 104 a, 104 b to eachother.

The number of tube portions 108 corresponds to the number of legs 210 oneach end cap 104 a, 104 b.

One axial end of a tube portion 108 is inserted into an aperture 218 ofone end cap 104 a and the other axial end is inserted into acorresponding aperture 218 of the other end caps 104 b.

In some embodiments, the tube portions 108 are press fit into the endcaps 104 a, 104 b, then secured into place by welding, for example.

The tube portions 108 and the end caps 104 a, 104 b define an open space102 for which an electric motor and gearbox can be positioned.

In some embodiments, at least two of the tube portions 108 have mounts110 on the outer surface thereof.

In some embodiments, the mounts 110 face radially inward.

As shown in FIG. 2 , in some embodiments the mounts 110 are positionedon the radially lower two tube portions 108.

The bore portion 208 is an axially extending aperture portion thatextends axially away from the outer surface 204 of the center cradleportion 206 of the end cap 104 a, 104 b.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the bore portions 208 havea substantially tubular portion 220 that extends axially away from theouter surface 204 of the end caps 104 a, 104 b.

In some embodiments, the tubular portion 220 provides an outer surfaceon which a tube assembly 300 can be press fit onto as shown in FIGS. 1and 3 . Once the tube assembly 300 is press fit on to the tubularportion 220, it can then be secured into place by welding, for example.The tube assemblies 300 are used to mount hub and rotor assemblies,braking components and other components of the axle assemblies.

Once the tube assemblies 300, tube portions 108 and end caps 104 a, 104b are assembled, a motor and/or gearbox assembly 350 can be placedwithin the cradle assembly 100 in the open space 102 and secured to themounts 110 of the tube portions 108 as shown in FIG. 3 .

In some embodiments, a skid plate and/or other guards (not shown) mayalso be attached or integrally added cradle assembly 100 to protect themotor/generator and/or engine, as deemed necessary and desirable forsafety and durability. Safety features, such as the aforementionedguards may, of course, vary among different vehicle and equipmentapplications, and are not described in detail herein.

In some embodiments, a skid plate 500 is connected to the each of theend caps 104 a, 104 b as depicted in FIG. 5 .

In some embodiments, the skid plate 300 is positioned beneath themotor/gearbox assembly to provide protection thereto.

In some embodiments, the skid plate 500 includes several rails or tubes502 attached to two attachment pieces 504, 506. The attachment pieces504, 506 are directly attached to the outer surface 204 of the end caps104 a, 104 b.

In some embodiments, the attachment pieces 504, 506 extend over theouter lower edges 212 b of the end caps 404 a, 404 b.

In some embodiments, the rails 502 are positioned equidistant from eachother extending the length of the end caps 404 a, 404 b between the tubeportions 108

In some embodiments, the cradle assembly 100 is part of an electric axleassembly having axle shafts can be inserted through the bores of thetube assemblies 300 and the cradle center portions 206 and connected tothe motor and gearbox accordingly.

By being an “open air” design, the motor and/or gearbox can be installedand secured to a pre-assembled cradle assembly 100 allowing both themotor/gearbox assembly 350 to be removed and re-installed easily forservice.

In some embodiments, the gearbox is a drive ratio-adjusting deviceincluding an assembly of gears, clutches, actuators and other componentstypically used in transmissions. In some embodiments, the gearbox canbe, but is not limited to, a dual clutch transmission, an automaticmechanical transmission, a manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox.

Additionally, the cradle assembly 100 supports the vehicle load withouttransferring any of the load to the gearbox.

In some embodiments, the motor is an electric motor/generator.

In some embodiments, the motor/gearbox assembly 350 includes a battery.It should be noted that the battery is capable of being not just a highvoltage pack such as lithium ion or lead-acid batteries, but alsoultracapacitors or other pneumatic/hydraulic systems such asaccumulators, or other forms of energy storage systems.

The motor/generators described herein are capable of representinghydromotors actuated by variable displacement pumps, electric machines,or any other form of rotary power such as pneumatic motors driven bypneumatic pumps. However, it is understood that other embodiments mayinclude other power sources including energy storage devices orelectrochemical energy conversion devices or combinations thereofincluding, but not limited to, an ultracapacitor or a fuel cellparticularly in a fuel cell electric vehicle drivetrains (FCEV).

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principleand mode of operation of this invention have been explained andillustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understoodthat this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallyexplained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Aspects of the invention include:

Aspect 1. A cradle assembly for housing and supporting a motor, thecradle assembly including:

-   -   a first end cap and a second end cap, wherein each end cap        includes an integrated spring seat, an inner surface, an outer        surface, a center portion having a tubular portion extending        axially away from the outer surface, and a plurality of legs        extending radially outward from the center portion;    -   a plurality of tube portions having a first end and second end,        wherein the first end of each tube portion is connected to a        radially outer end of a leg of the first end cap and the second        end of each tube portion is connected to a radially outer end of        a leg of the second end cap; and    -   a plurality of motor mounts connected to an outer surface at        least one of the tube portions,    -   wherein the end caps are positioned such that the inner surfaces        of the first end cap and second end cap face each other.

Aspect 2. The cradle assembly of Aspect 1, further including four tubeportions and wherein each end cap include four legs.

Aspect 3. The cradle assembly of Aspect 2, wherein two legs extendradially outward in one direction from the center portion and two legsextend radially outward in the opposite direction.

Aspect 4. The cradle assembly of Aspect 3, wherein each leg istriangular in shape.

Aspect 5. The cradle assembly of Aspect 1, wherein the center portionincludes a bore portion from which the tubular portion extends axiallyfrom.

Aspect 6. The cradle assembly of Aspect 1, wherein the tubular portionshave a mount attached to the axially outer surface thereof.

Aspect 7. The cradle assembly of Aspect 2, wherein the four legs includetwo upper legs and two lower legs, wherein the upper legs are longer thelower legs.

Aspect 8. An electric axle assembly including:

-   -   an electric motor;    -   a gearbox;    -   a cradle assembly of Aspects 1-7; and two axle half shafts,    -   wherein the motor and gearbox are positioned between the two end        caps and mounted to the tube portions, and    -   wherein the axle shafts are inserted through the center portions        of the end caps and driving connected to the motor and gearbox.

Aspect 9. The electric axle assembly of Aspect 8, further comprising askid plate attached to the end caps of the cradle assembly.

Aspect 10. The electric axle assembly of Aspect 9, wherein the skidplate includes a set of rails and a two attachment pieces, wherein therails extend between the two attachment pieces, and wherein oneattachment piece is attached to one end cap and the other attachmentpieces is attached to the other end cap.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A cradle assembly for a motor assembly, thecradle assembly comprising: a first end cap, a second end cap, and aplurality of legs extending radially outward from a center portion ofeach end cap; a plurality of tube portions connecting each leg of thefirst end cap to a respective leg of the second end cap, each tubeportion connected to one of the legs of the first end cap at a first endand connected to one of the legs of the second end cap at a second end;and an electric motor and a gearbox of the motor assembly mountedbetween the first end cap and the second end cap, and two axle shaftspassing through a tubular portion of each center portion and connectedto each side of the motor assembly.
 2. The cradle assembly of claim 1,wherein the center portion of each end cap comprises a bore, and eachbore receives one of the axle shafts, and each leg of each end capcomprises an aperture receiving one of the tube portions.
 3. The cradleassembly of claim 1, wherein two of the plurality of legs extend in afirst direction and two of the plurality of legs extend in a seconddirection opposite of the first direction.
 4. The cradle assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a skid plate comprising rails or tubesextending between the first end cap and the second end cap below thetube portions.
 5. The cradle assembly of claim 1, further comprisingmotor mounts positioned on two of the plurality of tube portions.
 6. Thecradle assembly of claim 1, wherein two of the plurality of legs arelonger than another two of the plurality of legs.
 7. The cradle assemblyof claim 1, wherein a wheel hub is connected to each tubular portion andthe axle shafts are connected to the wheel hubs.
 8. An electric axleassembly comprising: a cradle assembly, the cradle assembly comprising:a first end cap, a second end cap, and a plurality of legs extendingradially outward from a center portion of each end cap; a plurality oftube portions connecting each leg of the first end cap to a respectiveleg of the second end cap, each tube portion connected to one of thelegs of the first end cap at a first end and connected to one of thelegs of the second end cap at a second end; an electric motor and agearbox mounted between the first end cap and the second end cap; andtwo axle half shafts inserted through a tubular portion of each centerportion.
 9. The electric axle assembly of claim 8, further comprising askid plate attached to the first end cap and the second end cap.
 10. Theelectric axle assembly of claim 8, further comprising a skid plateattached to the first end cap and the second end cap, and the skid plateincluding a set of rails extending between two attachment pieces. 11.The electric axle assembly of claim 8, wherein the center portion ofeach end cap comprises a bore, and each bore receives one of the twoaxle half shafts.
 12. The electric axle assembly of claim 8, furthercomprising mounts positioned on two of the plurality of tube portions,the mounts connecting the electric motor and the gearbox to the tubeportions.
 13. The electric axle assembly of claim 8, further comprisingtube assemblies connected to the tubular portions, the tube assembliesconnecting wheel assemblies to the cradle assembly.
 14. The electricaxle assembly of claim 8, wherein the electric motor and the gearbox aremounted within the assembled cradle assembly.
 15. A cradle assembly fora motor assembly, the cradle assembly comprising: a first end cap, asecond end cap, and a plurality of legs extending radially outward froma center portion of each end cap, and a tubular portion of each centerportion axially aligned with the tubular portion of the other centerportion; a plurality of tube portions connecting each leg of the firstend cap to a respective leg of the second end cap, each tube portionconnected to one of the plurality of legs of the first end cap at afirst end and connected to one of the plurality of legs of the secondend cap at a second end; and a motor and a gearbox of the motor assemblymounted between the first end cap and the second end cap, and two axleshafts passing from each side of the motor assembly through a tubularportion of each center portion to an outer side of each center portion.16. The cradle assembly of claim 15, wherein each tubular portioncomprises a bore, and each bore receives one of the axle shafts, andwherein each tubular portion extends outward from the center portionalong a respective shaft.
 17. The cradle assembly of claim 15, whereincentral axes of each of the plurality of legs and each tubular portionalign.
 18. The cradle assembly of claim 15, wherein each tubular portionextends outward from the respective center portion along an axisconnecting bores of the central portions.
 19. The cradle assembly ofclaim 15, wherein a tube assembly is mounted onto each tubular portionand a wheel hub assembly is mounted to each tube assembly.
 20. Thecradle assembly of claim 15, wherein the electric motor and the gearboxis mounted within the assembled cradle assembly, and the shafts areinserted into each tubular portion and connected to the motor and thegearbox.